Finance Degrees
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Salaries For Degrees in Finance
Graduates in Finance can work in a variety of jobs. It is impossible to say what you personally will do with a degree in Finance, our survey panel picked the following jobs as likely options:
- Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
- Financial analysts
- Personal financial advisors
- Credit analysts
- Financial managers (Best salary!)
- Budget analysts
- Loan counselors
- Financial examiners
- Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists
The median salary for people with a degree in Finance is highly dependent on individual negotiating skill, seniority in the field, your employer, region, and a host of other factors. Your individual experience will likely vary.
Where does this come from?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a unit of the US government, classifies all workers into some 800-odd occupational categories. We paid a team of freelancers to solicit their opinion on what type of degree a holder of each type of job would likely have majored in. For pairs which had a high degree of consensus, we created a link between the degree and the job.
From this, we calculated the average salary for Finance degrees and converted it into a lifetime value. We then compared it against other degrees at the same level of schooling (such as associate's, bachelor's, or master's), so that you can make informed educational and employment decisions.
Students who are enrolling in school to obtain finance degrees, are graduating with the skills to manage the finances of corporations, firm, organizations, non-profits, and sole-owners. Finance professionals are expected to face stiff competition, as many people are going back to school to earn their Master's degree in this field of study. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who received their finance degrees, will have better opportunities if they are able to obtain their Master's Degree in Finance. For students who are ambitious, focused, and highly driven, this is the perfect career path where individuals will be able to succeed both academically and professionally.
Students who have completed their finance degrees, go on to enjoy careers such as treasures, controllers, credit managers, risk and insurance managers, financial officers, and managers of international banking.
What Can a Finance Student Expect to Learn?
The main objective for students who are getting finance degrees is to learn the essentials of working capital management. They are also taught the fundamentals of evaluating long-term investments, interpreting financing data, and understanding the company's overall financial structure. Essentially, finance students are taught to take financial information, and then develop strategies to benefit the company's long and short-term goals.
In order to begin a career in this industry, students must get their bachelor's degree in finance. Of course, students can continue their education by getting a master's degree, which gives them a competitive advantage over their counterparts; however it is not necessary in order to begin their career. Nonetheless, students take an array of courses, as well as performing coursework in accounting, international trade and policy, business finance, economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, corporate finance, and statistics.
Most importantly, students are required to have a certain level of skill and training in order to be proficient in their careers. Specifically, students should be able to display the following skills upon obtaining their finance degrees:
- Understand and completely interpret financial data
- Thoroughly explain financial statements and the meaning behind the figures
- Proficiency with financial software programs and computer systems
- Mastery of both oral and written communications
- Ability to to work with a team and manage a staff proficient in problem-solving
After individuals obtain their finance degrees, they are usually encouraged to continue their education through-out their careers. Many students who have their finance degrees continue to attend workshops, training sessions, and seminars to stay knowledgeable and current in their careers. The subjects learned include international banking, information systems, corporate cash management, budget management, financial analysis, and accounting management.
Online Schools Offering Accredited Finance Degree Programs
There are many online schools that offer the all necessary courses that are needed to get a finance degree. Online schools are perfect for students who need the flexibility and freedom to move at their own pace. Whether you attend at a full-time level or take a few courses here-and-there, online schools can help you just as the traditional college or university.
Below are some of the top online colleges that are accredited, and offer classes to help students get their finance degrees:
Many major colleges, including some listed below, do offer online options for Finance Degree programs.
Top Colleges & Universities Offering Campus-based Finance Degrees
Some students prefer the traditional classroom courses in order to gain their finance degrees. There are many great colleges or universities who are well known for their great Business Programs. Below is a list of the best undergraduate finance schools in the U.S.
- New York University
- University of California at Berkeley
- University of Texas
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Washington University
- University of Illinois
Who are some Famous Finance Students?
There are several celebrities who attended college and majored in the area of finance. Before the big launch of their famous careers as entertainers, the subject of finance was their main focus. Most importantly, some well-know stars even continued their education and was able to get their finance degrees, even after their super-stardom. Here's a list of a few:
Tempestt Bledsoe
Tempestt Bledsoe who was one of our favorite Huxtable children on the Cosby Show, attended New York University. After starring in the famous role of her life, this starlet persevered and was able to graduate with a Finance degree.
Donald Trump (pictured right) 
Wharton School of Finance was attended by the famous real estate investor Donald Trump. Although he did not graduate with a Finance degree, he did graduate with a Business Administration degree. In order to obtain this degree, there has to be a solid understanding of finance. As you may know, Donald Trump understands finance all too well!
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger attended the London School of Economics. Albeit, Mick dropped out of his fist year of school to begin his music career. However, he was never able to return to back to school and complete his education in finance, due to his superstar membership into the band The Rolling Stones.
